Never Trust a Scoundrel by Gayle Callen Page B

brother’s assistant.”
    An assistant?
    â€œWe have already been paid for the first month, Miss Banbury, and we certainly appreciate such thoughtfulness.”
    â€œWe?” She swallowed heavily. How could Edward have afforded to hire more than one servant?
    â€œThere’s myself and my wife, who is a fine cook and housekeeper, miss. This is a cozy home—we’re all you need. And there’s a fine bedroom for us right behind the kitchen.” He bobbed his bald head. “We appreciate not having to climb the stairs.”
    She couldn’t help but smile at his friendliness. “I’m glad you approve.”
    â€œTell me you’re hungry, miss, because my wife can have a roast turkey ready soon. Will Mr. Banbury be dining this evening?”
    Already her mouth was watering. “No, I’m afraid my brother and I both have plans. But I look forward to tasting your wife’s cooking soon.”
    She felt a momentary pang, wondering what Edward was doing, but she had long ago told herself she could not constantly worry about him.
    The day became even better when her lady’s maid arrived soon after from the country, along with several small trunks of Grace’s wardrobe. Woodley and Will left the trunks in Grace’s room, and the two women were finally alone.
    Grace hugged her maid and stepped back to look at her with delight. A redhead, Ruby Grover was short and plump and mischievous.
    â€œMiss Grace, ye took off so fast from home I feared someone was sick,” Ruby said, playing up her disappointment. “And ye didn’t even let me enjoy the fun.”
    â€œIt wasn’t fun at first, believe me,” Grace said, as the two of them began to open the trunks and remove gowns to be ironed. “So tell me, did Mr. Throckmorten send his own steward to our manor? I hope he didn’t try to change too much.”
    â€œMr. Who?” Ruby said, puzzled. “No one came to visit us, Miss Grace. And who would have the nerve to change somethin’?”
    Grace straightened in surprise, a pair of linen drawers dangling from her hands. “Nothing has happened at home?”
    â€œWell, your mother be gone on a trip, but ye knew that before ye left.”
    â€œThen…you don’t know why my mother left?”
    â€œNo, miss.” Ruby wrinkled her upturned nose. “Is somethin’ wrong?”
    Grace took her hand. “My mother lost the deeds to both our homes in a card game, Ruby. I came here to see if my brother and I could somehow…fix things.”
    The maid blew out a sigh. “’Tis sad news, Miss Grace, and I’m so sorry to hear it for yer sake.”
    â€œAnd I’m sorry for your sake, and for all the good people who work—worked—for us. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but at least the new owner hasn’t tried to change things immediately.”
    â€œSo this Mr. Throckmorten is the new owner.”
    â€œYes.” Grace smiled without humor. “He was really only after the violin. His family is musical.”
    â€œYour papa’s violin is gone, too? Oh, miss!”
    Grace squeezed the maid’s outstretched hand. “Don’t worry about me, Ruby. I have a plan.”
    â€œOf course ye do,” Ruby said. “So what is it?”
    No one was going to know the true challenge but herself and Daniel. “I’m going to win back the violin by making Mr. Throckmorten into a better man.”
    Ruby frowned. “And ye say he really wanted the violin? That doesn’t make sense, Miss Grace, if ye don’t mind my sayin’.”
    â€œDid I mention he is quite the rake, Ruby?”
    â€œNo, ye didn’t, but that explains why ye feel you can change him. Then ye’re goin’ to turn him over to some other young lady, and he’ll be so grateful, he’ll give ye back the violin?”
    â€œAnd then I’ll sell it and rent a town